William (Billy) Raymond Chase
William (Billy) Raymond Chase, 85, passed away on Monday, September 13 in Webster, Texas. Billy was born on June 25,1936 in Norfolk, Virginia to William Edward Chase and Louise Merwarth. Billy is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Jeanette (Nette) Louise Chase; son William (Bill) Edward Chase II (spouse Johanna), daughter Beverly Ann Chase Magee (spouse John), sister Debbie Chase Goode (spouse Pete); grandchildren William Joseph (BJ) Chase (spouse Jessica), Abigail Corrigan Magee, Hayley Sinclair Magee, Jillian Brooke Rosenbaum (spouse Jason), Bradford Raymond Chase, great grandchild Rigby Edward Chase and numerous family members and friends.
Billy served his country by joining the United States Navy, where he served for over 35 years and retired as a Captain. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rice University and a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering from University of Houston. Billy worked as an Engineer for National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) in Houston, Texas for 30 years in Flight Operations, Landing & Recovery, Flight Support, Operations Integration, Operational Planning, Space Shuttle Mission Support, and Flight Data Systems. His NASA colleagues would often say he was most well known however for playing a mean game of golf. Billy had a passion for coin-collecting and baseball card memorabilia and loved to travel and read. Many would say that Billy was happiest with a cigar in one hand and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon in the other. Billy lived a full and blessed life and his greatest joy was being married to his high school sweetheart Nette who he loved with all of his heart until his last moment on earth.
The viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 29 from 6-8pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Center Boulevard, Webster, Texas 77598. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 30 at 6pm at Webster Presbyterian Church, 201 NASA Rd I, Webster, Texas 77598. Military burial will take place at Houston National Cemetery promptly at 10:45am on Friday, October 1 at 10410 Veteran’s Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Billy’s memory may do so to Webster Presbyterian Church Music Ministry at 201 NASA Rd I, Webster, Texas 77598.
Billy was one of the most interesting men I ever met. We loved when he would visit when he attended a coin show or traveling with him and Jeanette. They both opened our eyes to traveling and seeing the world. We loved his stories about NASA. We heard how Rice University doesn’t have a good football team because everyone can read and write. He had a tender heart and would cry at sad movies and loved dogs with a passion. He loved the News and his newspaper. So many wonderful stories to tell. We will miss you Billy until we see you again.